Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)-Spanish

At Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. It helps them to develop communication skills, including speaking, listening, reading and writing helping to extend their knowledge of how language works; skills that they will be able access in the future. It enables children to appreciate the beauty of another culture and broaden their horizons, giving a new perspective on the world in which we live. Our chosen language is Spanish, and through the teaching and learning of this language, the acquisition of life-long language learning skills can be transferred to other languages that may be encountered later in life. This also provides links with our Secondary feeder schools, hopefully allowing the children continuity of their language learning. Increased capability in the use of MFL promotes initiative, confidence and independent learning and encourages diversity within society.

Aims and Objectives

At Holy Cross our aims and objectives for learning a modern foreign language are to:

- Enrich learning for all pupils

- Support and develop speaking and listening skills

- Introduce young children to another language in a way that is enjoyable and fun

- Help children develop their awareness of cultural similarities and differences

- Lay the foundations for future language study by pupils

- Promote positive attitudes towards language learning through a range of learning activities

This is in line with the aims of the National Curriculum.

The National Curriculum for languages aims to ensure that all pupils in KS2:

- understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources

- speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation

- can write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt

- discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.

Languages are not compulsory at KS1, however, at Holy Cross, we feel that introducing languages early can help children with their cognitive development and encourage a culture of life-long language learners in our pupils. Children in Year 1 and Year 2 will be introduced to songs, games and activities which are highly enjoyable, motivating and inclusive and also help to develop other literacy skills. This whole school approach to MFL is desirable; Spanish will be integrated within the curriculum across KS1 and 2 wherever possible, for example, in displays, basic classroom language, whole school celebrations etc.

Curriculum and School Organisation

Spanish is taught regularly in all KS1 and KS2 classes on a weekly basis to ensure progression and skills development. Spanish is also integrated within other subjects and is used for classroom commands and praise, and is recognised during whole school celebrations. Holy Cross currently follows a scheme of work designed and implemented by the Liverpool Modern Foreign Language Team which is in keeping with the National Curriculum requirements. This ensures that particular language learning strategies are taught and appropriate skills are practised. The Scheme of Work outlines which topics are covered in each year group. By the end of KS2, we aim to have taught the children to know and understand how to:

- ask and answer basic questions;

- use correct pronunciation and intonation

– understand the use of accents on words;

- memorise vocabulary;

- interpret meaning;

- understand basic grammar and tenses;

- make links between languages or previous knowledge;

- work in pairs and groups, and communicate in the other language;

- explore life and traditions in another culture;

- be able to read and write basic sentences

Computing is used where appropriate to enhance teaching and learning.

Inclusion

In line with our Equality and Inclusion Policies, we are committed to providing a teaching environment conducive to children reaching their full potential. Each child is valued, respected and challenged regardless of race, gender, religion, social background, culture or disability.

Planning and Resources

The teaching of Spanish is planned following the guidelines set out in Liverpool Local Authority Language Team’s planning and scheme of work for KS1 and KS2 languages. This ensures that there is continuity and progression in both skills and content across all classes. An enjoyment and enthusiasm for language learning is encouraged from KS1 where children are introduced to age appropriate material such as songs and games, focusing on listening and speaking skills. As children progress through to KS2, they will begin developing their reading and writing skills in Spanish too. The MFL subject leader provides schemes of work for all staff to use, including language they will need to learn for various sessions, and any resources will be available to print and photocopy as needed. A list of websites is available for staff to use to help with their own language knowledge, or any extra sessions/activities that they may wish to include. A set of Spanish/English phrase books are available in school. The MFL co-ordinator is responsible for maintaining resources, monitoring their use and organising storage. We also work closely with the Liverpool Modern Foreign Language Team and employ a Spanish Language Assistant, giving the children the opportunity to work with a native speaker and also take ideas and use resources from the ‘Take 10’ resource book and CD which provides excellent resources for both KS1 and KS2.

Monitoring Progress and Assessing Attainment

Opportunities to monitor and assess the children’s progress in Modern Foreign Languages is at present, formative and is used to support teaching and learning and inform future planning. Assessments are based on the observation of children working on different oral activities and (where appropriate) written or pictorial work. Each year children will be assessed on a number of objectives based upon the age related expectations; at the end of Key Stage, from 2018, there is an aim to carry out a form of summative assessment, following guidelines from the Liverpool Modern Foreign Language Team and also using the school’s electronic assessment system.

Year 1 are currently learning how to count from 1-10 as well as their colours and body parts.